Gambling and casino games have been a roaring success in Canada for some years now. And even though online casinos operating within Canadian borders have been deemed illegal by politicians and lawmakers, gambling is still one of Canada’s favourite pastimes.
But what about social casino games? Is there a place for these games in Canada, and what are the impacts of it on the population? These are just some of the questions posed by the government and lawmakers who aim to better society.
To come to a better understanding of these social casino games and their impact, we first have to understand what is meant by ‘social casino games’.
A Brief Explanation of Social Casino Games
Social casino games are pretty much exactly the same thing as regular casino games. The only difference is you are not able to win real money when playing them. So, there is no requirement to wager real money, or the risk of losing your hard-earned cash.
These social games are available as apps for smart devices and serve as a great tool to advertise the dangers of problem gambling. Some of these games also require or suggest players invite friends or family members to join in the fun and start playing.
Impact of Social Casino Games
Next, we take a look at the impact of social casino games on Canadians. Needless to say, the implications of social casino games have prompted numerous discussions among policymakers and governments worldwide.
A tool to Manage Problem Gambling
Several studies have shown that those who play social casino games have reported that it actually manages their urge to gamble for real money.
Some have even said that losing while playing these games serves as a reminder that losing real money is a reality when gambling they would rather avoid.
A tool to Entice Problem Gambling
On the other side of the spectrum, policymakers have been saying that these social casino games actually entice players to continue gambling and playing real casino games.
Some problem gamblers have even reported that these games and ads make it difficult to deter from playing real casino games and actually encourage them to gamble.
A tool to Encourage Responsible Gambling
Finally, one aspect we’ve uncovered is the fact that these so-called social casino games can be seen as a tool to encourage players to gamble responsibly.
Those looking to have fun can do so without the risk of losing money while realising that these platforms do not reflect actual payout ratios offered at real casinos.
What do you think? Should lawmakers and government officials take a better stand on these social casino games? Or do you think they are harmless? Let us know in the comment section below.
